Overview

The aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes is flanked by eight dizzyingly-high snow-mantled mountains striding south of Quito down the Andean spine. It passes through a valley rich with a landscape of dense forest and tiny fields plastering impossibly steep slopes. Dotted around is a mix of deeply traditional indigenous and colonial settlements with horticultural and artisan markets and cottage industries. There’s also a clutch of old estates gifted to conquistadores where the grandiose buildings are now countryside hotels. This is supreme hiking country, with trails leading to craters harbouring turquoise volcanic lakes, usually with views of the biggest peaks, Chimborazo and Cotopaxi.

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Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

Self-drive Ecuador: The back roads of the Andes

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Things to do

Discover a range of activities, including visiting Cotopaxi National Park and the Avenue of the Volcanoes in Ecuador. Book now with Journey Latin America.

Where to go when - our guide to Avenue of the Volcanoes

Avenue of the Volcano

The weather in Avenue of the Volcanoes is wide and varied

The Avenue of Volcanoes enjoys a year round spring-like climate with temperatures averaging 21°C. The fertile highland valley cuts through the spine of the Andean mountain range south from Quito for some 200 miles to the exquisite colonial city of Cuenca and is flanked on either side by eight majestic snow-capped volcanoes that soar to between 5000-6300m. This is the heartland of indigenous Ecuador, famed for its artisan villages, colonial towns, colourful weekly markets, picturesque patchwork fields and some of Ecuador’s best hiking. The best time to visit is during the drier months of June-September. During the wetter months there is still plenty of morning sunshine, but overcast days and intense afternoon downpours are frequent (particular March and April), with the volcanic peaks more likely to be shrouded in cloud. Because of the altitude temperatures drop significantly at night, to as low as a few degrees. The bustling indian market in Saquislii is one of the most colourful and traditional in the country and takes place every Thursday.

View our Avenue of the Volcanoes weather guide

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Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Millie
    Millie Davies - Travel Expert

    Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

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